Whether you’re planning a trip to Israel or any other destination, packing efficiently can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. As I prepare for my upcoming 10-day trip to Israel, I’ve faced the challenge of determining what to pack. In this blog post, I’ll not only share the specific outfits I’m bringing but also provide general tips that can be applied to any travel packing endeavor.
Throughout my previous international travels, I’ve realized that carrying less baggage significantly enhances the overall experience. Hauling heavy suitcases through unfamiliar cities and airports can quickly dampen the excitement of exploration. So, for this trip, I’ve decided to embrace minimalism by packing only a carry-on bag and a personal item, which serves as my trusty zippable oversized purse. To accommodate any items I may purchase during my trip, I’ve included a bag within my carry-on that can be checked on the return journey.
Now, you might wonder why I’ve chosen to pack in a carry-on only. Allow me to outline the reasons that have convinced me of its numerous benefits:
- Streamlined travel experience: Packing light simplifies the entire travel process, making it easier to navigate airports, train stations, and bustling streets. Bid farewell to the inconvenience of lugging around large suitcases.
- Minimized risk of lost baggage: If you’ve ever found yourself at your destination without your belongings, you understand the frustration it brings. By packing in a carry-on, you eliminate the chance of the airline misplacing your luggage, providing a sense of security and peace of mind. I vividly remember a trip to Nashville where I survived a week with just one outfit, luckily aided by the city’s fantastic thrift stores – it was an adventure but not the kind I was hoping to experience.
- Space for meaningful souvenirs: While I’m not one for cheap trinkets, I appreciate collecting meaningful souvenirs like art, books, and local food items. Opting for a carry-on allows me to easily bring an extra bag to accommodate these cool items from the places I visit.
Now that we’ve explored the “why” behind packing in a carry-on, let’s delve into the “how.” In my journey of trial and error, extensive YouTube research, shopping excursions, and returning items, I’ve learned some valuable principles that can be applied universally when packing for any trip.
- Determine your travel duration and activities: Consider the length of your trip and the activities you’ll be engaging in. Are there any activities that require specific clothing or have a dress code? This will help you gauge the number and types of outfits you’ll need.
- Choose a color scheme: Stick to a cohesive color palette that allows for easy mixing and matching. Neutrals like black, white, gray, and navy work well, and you can add a few pops of color with accessories. For this trip my color palette includes black, pink, navy, gray, & green.
- Start with the basics: Begin by selecting essential clothing items that form the foundation of your capsule wardrobe. These should include versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. Some examples are:
- Tops: Choose a few neutral-colored tops that can be easily paired with different bottoms.
- Bottoms: Select a mix of pants, skirts, or shorts that can be worn with various tops.
- Dresses or jumpsuits: Opt for one or two dresses or jumpsuits that can be dressed up or down for different occasions.
- Layering pieces: Include a few layering items to accommodate varying weather conditions. These may include a lightweight cardigan, a versatile jacket, or a scarf that can be worn in multiple ways.
- Accessories: Pack a few accessories to add variety and style to your outfits. This can include jewelry, belts, hats, or scarves that complement your color palette.
- Shoes: Limit yourself to a maximum of two pairs of shoes to save space. Choose versatile options that work well with your outfits and are comfortable for walking. packing“>packing cubes or compression bags to keep everything organized and maximize space in your
For Israel I had some specific guidelines I needed to follow in order to visit the Holy sites. I decided to lean pretty heavily on the summer dresses but I included some linen pants & a romper too. The wrangler shirt from Kohls really turned out to be an amazing piece because it pairs so well with so many things. I highly recommend finding a cool graphic tee when you are creating a capsule wardrobe.
So to break it down:
- 3 panties – I know this may be shocking but I weighed the options and I decided I would rather make room for other things. I am bringing these because they are super breathable, lightweight & easy to clean. I plan to wash them in the sink at the hotel.
- 2 pants – 1 linen which I got from Uptown Cheapskate & 1 pair of hiking pants from Columbia. Again, easy to wash, breathable, comfortable.
- 3 dresses – I needed one dress to cover my ankles so that is why I chose the pink one I bought from Torrid years ago. The midi dress is from Carly Jean Los Angeles but it is discontinued. They have lots more options and even a bunch of pre-chosen capsule wardrobes.
- 4 shirts & 1 button down – this is completely a mix and match depending on what colors you choose & your style. The main thing to prioritize is having a few different styles (t-shirts, button down, crewneck etc)
- 1 shawl & 1 duster from Noonday – In Israel I will be using these pieces when I need extra coverage or head covering. No matter what season or destination they can be great options to accessorize & really change the look of an outfit.
- 2 hats – 1 baseball & 1 beach hat. Again, these are specific for my travel but can definitely be good options for anyone.
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 1 bathing suit
- Toiletries – I will do a separate post about this since it is a topic all its own.
So there you go! My best tips for a travel capsule wardrobe. I will update this post when I get back and let you know if I would change anything and what I really liked.
